Inquest into death of cyclist in A6 collision with HGV suspended
It's been suspended pending the outcome of a police investigation
An inquest into the death of a retired farmer in an A6 road collision south of Penrith has been suspended pending the outcome of a police investigation into the tragedy.
Cumbria police made a public appeal for information following the collision, between a heavy goods vehicle and a bicycle. This occurred at around 11-40am on Wednesday, 28th January.
A spokesman said the cyclist — 78-year-old Peter John Cox — suffered serious injuries. Members of the emergency services, including an air ambulance crew, attended the scene. However, Mr Cox died at the scene.
“Police are investigating and are encouraging anyone who witnessed the collision or the moments leading up to it, or anyone who has dash cam which may be of assistance — or anyone else who can assist — to come forward,” the spokesman said in a statement after the incident.
An inquest into Mr Cox’s death was formally opened at HM Coroners’ office and inquest court in Workington this morning (thurs).
This task was performed by area coroner Ms Margaret Taylor during a short hearing.
Mr Cox, she noted, was a retired farmer, born in Tunbridge Wells and widowed, who had latterly lived in the village of Lowther, near Penrith.
Ms Taylor confirmed that she would be suspending the inquest proceedings at this stage, saying: “The reason for the suspension is that there is a police investigation into the circumstances in which Mr Cox — who was travelling northbound on a stretch of road on the A6 towards Hackthorpe — became involved in a road collision which has led to his death.”
That police enquiry took priority, said Ms Taylor. Pending the outcome, the coroner said a decision would be taken about whether or not the inquest proceedings would resume.